Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Chiang
After reading more of Chiang's works this week, there is a definite connection in his writing style and what he chooses to write about. One thing I have noticed is the lack of happy endings. For example, in Merchant at the Alchemists Gate Abbas has an opportunity to go back in time and see his wife for the last time before she is killed by a falling wall. However, once Abbas starts his journey there are numerous setbacks and complications that lead to him not only unable to see his wife for the last time, but also becoming imprisoned to help the king because he knows the future. Another story that lacks a happy ending is "Tower of Babylon." The people work thousands of years to reach the vault of heaven, only to find out the world is connected from top to bottom. Even though Chiang has a lack of happy endings I think this makes it harder to guess the endings. While reading, I enjoy not being able to predict what is going to happen next in a story. Overall, I really enjoy Chiang and wouldn't mind reading more of his literature.
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That is definitely true. But one thing that is also interesting to note is that the characters don't seem to be so upset about it. For instance, in "Tower of Babylon", the main character (whose name I've forgotten, and I don't have that book with me at the moment) was in awe once he discovered God's layout of the universe. He felt truly blessed to be able God's work from that perspective. Also, in "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate", Abbas was in despair when he realized he arrived too late to see his wife while she was alive. However, after receiving the message from the nurse who cared for his wife, he was consoled by the fact that she loved him even after their argument. Knowing this, he was finally able to let go of the some of the regret and the guilt he felt upon her death.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sarah's post. Chiang's characters may not have a "happily ever after" type ending, but they receive some sort of enlightenment which makes their suffering worthwhile. One possible exception is the guy in "Hell is the Absence of God". I know that he finally learns to love God, but this newfound love makes his existence in Hell even more unbearable. I can't really see how this could be taken as a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteI guess you could argue that "Understand" had a somewhat happy ending, though it depends on how you viewed the main character. He ultimately dies in his 'fight' against Reynold, but Reynold plans on using his superior intellect for the greater good of humanity. So even though the protagonist (Greco) dies, is it better that he didn't survive because of his selfish mindset with his gifts? I mean, from his standpoint, sure it's unfortunate that he died, but maybe humanity is better off with Reynolds instead.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I noticed while reading Chiang's works was that most of his stories are left open-ended. I found myself wanting to know what happened to the digients and if they were able to port over to Real Space, or how the news that the Tower of Babylon only led back to the beginning impacted the world. I also found myself wishing the stories were longer so I could enjoy them even if only for a moment more.
They don't all have unhappy endings. 72 letters ended fairly happily, with the main character figuring out how to solve the problem.
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